Just as with car seats for infants and toddlers, a few different types of booster seats exist for children ages 4 – 9. This article highlights the different styles of booster seats and discusses which option may be best for your family.
Belt-positioning booster seat
A belt-positioning booster seat is a booster seat with a high back, which places your car’s seat belt in the best position for your child. A seat with an adjustable headrest provides the most comfort and safety for your child. Some belt-positioning booster seats convert to backless booster seats.
Combination Car Seat
Most toddler car seats that are not convertible (rear- to front-facing) car seats are classified as “combination” seats, turning into a belt-positioning booster seat when you remove the five-point harness. Combination car seats hold toddlers in the five-point harness up to 40 lbs. (Some models go up to 65 lbs.)
If your baby has outgrown the infant car seat and is legally ready to ride in a forward-facing position, a combination car seat is the next logical step, as you won’t have to buy a separate belt-positioning booster seat. Most belt-positioning booster seats hold children up to 65 lbs.
Backless Booster Seat
If your car offers head support in the back seat, you can purchase a backless booster. Older children may prefer a backless booster because it is less conspicuous. However, it is also not as safe as a belt-positioning, high-back booster seat.
If your child is very young and tends to sleep in the car, a high-back booster seat offers side support to prevent your child from slumping. Many belt positioning booster seats also permit children to sit at a slight recline, which may be more comfortable for sleeping or for longer trips.
A backless booster seat provides convenience for use in multiple cars. You may consider purchasing one for a grandparent or other caregiver’s car – providing that vehicle has integrated head support.
Is your child ready for a booster seat?
Children can ride in a booster seat if they are at least 40 lbs. and 3 to 4 years of age. Safety tests show a child aged 4 – 8 is 59 % less likely to be injured in a car accident if he is in a booster seat than if he is wearing a seat belt (with lap belt and shoulder harness) alone. Here are recommendations from The Car Seat Lady to help you determine if your child is ready for a booster seat.
Cars are not designed for young children, and standard safety belts simply do not fit properly. That is why a belt positioning booster seat is the safest way for your child under 8 years old and 40 to 80 lbs. to travel.
Your child is not ready for a booster seat if:
- They cannot (or will not) remain seated without slouching, slumping forward or fidgeting too much
- They unhook the safety belts
- They are under 40 lbs.
What to Consider When Buying a Booster Seat
Whether you are buying a backless booster seat or a high-back booster seat, here are some questions to ask:
How well does the booster seat fit in your car? Booster seat bases vary as widely as the cars we put them in. Check to make sure the model you buy fits within your vehicle’s seat without sliding or tipping over.
How well does your child fit in the booster seat? It’s a good idea to try before you buy; let your child sit in the seat. Is the seat wide enough for his hips without too much extra space? (If there’s too much room in the seat, your child may not be ready to step up to a booster seat yet).
Does the booster seat help the seatbelt fit properly, in your car, for your child? This is a key consideration when buying a booster seat – does it do what it’s supposed to do?
The lap belt should be snug across your child’s hips, while the shoulder belt should not fall off your child’s arm or scratch the child’s neck.
How well-padded is the seat? You’ll want a seat with padding for added comfort. Side impact wings on a belt-positioning booster seat provide comfort and added crash protection.
Are the parts of the seat sturdy? Shoulder belt guides on a backless booster seat should be easy to adjust properly and should not break, even after years of use.
What kind of guides position the belt on a high-back booster? The guides that position the shoulder belt should permit the belt to move freely throughout the belt guide. Some guides combined with safety belts in certain model cars permit the child to lean forward, introducing slack, but do not allow the belt to retract again. Look for a model with guides that permit the shoulder belt to move freely.
What added features does the car seat include? Amenities may include cup holders, snack cups, attached pillows, toy bags, and even toys that attach to the seat.
What are the maximum height and weight limits?
What do reviews say about the booster seat?
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